 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: daniel
Date: 2001-03-19 10:45
Hi there,
i have mail-ordered a new E13 Buffet and could anyone please tell me how i can test its tone, quailty etc..i have also orderd a B45 MP. Are Rico reeds recommendable? i am using Van trad 2.5 just now, and finding it a bit too 'light'.
thanks in advance.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-03-19 12:38
I do notn believe that clarinets can be tested or compared until they have been put into the best state of adjustment possible. In my opinion based on much experience even top range instrumetns are seldom in this state ex-factory. All you are doing is comparing their respective states of maladjustment. I believe a large proportion of players have no idea how well their instruments COULD go.
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2001-03-19 16:57
Most any other reeds are supposed to be better than plain "orange box" Ricos.
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Author: Kim L
Date: 2001-03-19 17:07
I just went down to Weiner's to play test clarinets this Saturday. Here's what I looked for. The first clarinet I played was all over the tuner. Naturally, I didn't want that! The second was too free blowing, and I don't want that because I want to be able to play full. The third clarinet I tried was perfect! I play a 5RV Lyre mpc and here's what I found that this R13 played. First, I played slow one octave scales. I heard evenness all up the scales. Next, I played a little bit of the Weber Concerto No. 1. The opening note (High B-flat), was so perfect and without distortion. Then I played the high D on the second page. The high D on this page has a decrescendo on it. Again, it did not distort. I then played a little bit of the second movement of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, and there was pure evenness with all the notes. So, look for evenness with the scale and no distortion.
As far as intonation is concerned, expect the scale to be slightly off-the clarinet is new! As you become accustomed to what you are playing, the clarinet will raise in pitch. The new R13 that I have is a little more flat than I would like, but I know that I will adjust to it. It is more important on the evenness of the scale and what you can do with the notes.
Also, I recommend using hard brand new reeds when you play test. This is what I did and I was quite successful. Reeds out of the box are their hardest and you will be able to distinguish which tone quality you want the most.
As far as ordering a new E-13, I think that you should order 3 so that you can compare tone qualities. The E-13 that comes the mail may not neccessarily be the E-13 that you want to keep. Suppose that I had ordered the R-13 that was all over the place on the tuner? I wouldn't be very happy. Try a box of Vandoren 2.5's and a box of 3's just in case the 2.5's are too soft for the B45.
Good luck and best wishes.
Kim
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Author: Mandy
Date: 2001-03-19 19:50
I have owned my E-13 for six weeks now and am in love! If you are half as pleased with yours as I am with mine then you can't go wrong,I did however try several E-13's and other clarinets before aquiring my baby. Good Luck!
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Author: Chrissie
Date: 2001-03-20 02:47
Play whatever you're comfortable playing when you try out your new clarinet. It's hard to tell what piece of it you're really liking if you change up your mpc, reed and 'net at the same time. try them all separately first, and then see what combination works best.
Congrats on a new "baby" =)
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-03-20 09:31
Kim L focusses on evenness. However a lot of unevenness can be fairly quickly corrected or improved by attention to appropriate venting. So how valid is evenness for off-the-shelf instruments.
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Author: angella
Date: 2001-03-21 03:10
JUST SAY NO TO RICO REEDS!!!!!
I'd almost play anything but. THough, I stick to vandoren v-12, many I know like those or regular vandorens or zondas. I know a few who like the grand concert, though I don't really, and I've found Queen reeds to be favorable. Unless you're a 1st year beginner, I'd think you'd be playing on at least a 3 strength by now. It's important that you're building strength in your embouchure and that it's not compromised by you're having to force weird contortions because of a bad reed-- or a weak or thin reed. Good luck!
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Author: daniel
Date: 2001-03-21 11:30
Thanks everyone for your kind advices. I have played the new E13 and i fell in love with it. it was so much better than my old Bundy Resonite plastic model!
Shold i still try other E13's? I would have to travel down to Edinburgh-around 2hrs' drive from Aberdeen(Scotland). is it worth it?
angella, about reeds, are Vandoren v-12 better that the traditional? I find that the upper second register and the third register tends to be a little squeaky with my 2.5. I have tried a strength 3 and it was far much better. what methods do you use for breaking-in?
thanks a lot.
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Author: Andy
Date: 2001-03-21 21:35
Happy That you like your clarinet. Right now I am using a Bundy Resonite too. Tomorrow im going to try some new Buffet E11's, I can wait. What differences did you find between you resonite and the E13?
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-03-21 22:38
Andy wrote:
>
> Happy That you like your clarinet. Right now I am using a
> Bundy Resonite too. Tomorrow im going to try some new Buffet
> E11's, I can wait. What differences did you find between you
> resonite and the E13?
The correct question should be what differences did you find between the beginner grade Bundy and the intermediate grade E13. Material is irrelevant. It is the design, finishing, etc of the instrument.
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Author: Andy
Date: 2001-03-22 20:36
WOW!
The E11 is great! It's soooo much easier to play. The tone wan't much better than before though. The keywork is really nice. It was worth the money($569). I tried a few and I liked the first one I tried the best. This one I have is made in Germany.
-Andy
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Author: Nate Zeien
Date: 2001-03-22 23:39
Gordon brings up a very good point. State of adjustment is certainly a variable to consider when choosing an instrument. I know that I took that into consideration when I chose my horn. Still, not everyone is as knowledgeable in instrument repair as Gordon and a few others. They may not even know what to tell the repair tech to adjust. Still, a funky horn is a funky horn. There are many factors to be considered in evaluating a clarinet. Remember to take them all into consideration. Most of all, take your time. This is something that you need to be sure of. -- Nate Zeien
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